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Bill Would Allow 'Reciprocity' for Concealed Carry Permits

Senator John Cornyn (R-Tx) has introduced a bill that would require that states engage in 'reciprocity' when it comes to concealed handgun permits, allowing a permit from one state to be good in another state, much like drivers licenses are currently, 1200 WOAI news reports.

"It would allow people with a concealed handgun license in Texas to travel to other states and maintain their legal status," Cornyn told 1200 WOAI's Michael Board.

All fifty states now allow some type of concealed carry permit. But problem that opponents have with allowing reciprocity is that different states have widely deferring qualifications to obtain a permit. Some states require extensive firearms instruction, while others allow the course to be taken on line. States also differ on which types of background information will disqualify a person to receive a concealed carry permit.

Many states have raised concerns about whether people will flock to certain states which have relatively lax concealed carry requirements, get a license there, and then use the license in their home state, where the requirements may be tougher.

Cornyn says his bill has a good chance of being approved, despite high profile shootings in places like Sandy Hook Connecticut and the Navy Shipyard in Washington DC.

"The most common threat that ties each of those shootings together is the mental illness of the shooter," Cornyn said. "It is not the right of law abiding citizens to keep and bear arms."

Cornyn is under pressure from a 'Tea Party' affiliated challenger in the March primary, and expanding the rights of concealed permit holders is a big issue among 'Tea Party' conservatives.